TALE OF THE TAPE

‘Catholic 7′ Showdown: #15 Marquette Vs. St. John’s

Winner
Buzz Williams’ team survived against Rutgers on Tuesday night to lock up a double-bye in the Big East Tournament. Marquette has won three in a row and primed to make another Sweet 16 run.

Steve Lavin has played the role of disciplinarian more than coach the last week. Before last Saturday’s game he suspended leading scorer D’Angelo Harrison for the rest of the season, and he announced that Sir’Dominic Pointer would miss this game after throwing a punch against Notre Dame on Tuesday and getting ejected.

Offense

Winner
It seems like it’s a different star every game for this balanced Marquette squad. The Golden Eagles turn it over too much and lack quality three-point shooters, but they are athletic and aggressive.

St. John’s has missed Harrison’s 17 points per game. They’ve made just 3 of 23 three-pointers over the last two games and shot a dismal 30 percent against Notre Dame.

Defense

In conference play, Marquette sits near the middle of the league in most defensive categories. Derrick Wilson is good at creating steals.

Winner
The Red Storm gives up a lot of offensive rebounds, but other than that they've been pretty solid defensively. They’ll need a particularly strong effort to stay in the game on Saturday.

Bench Depth

Winner
Jamil Wilson came off the bench last Saturday to lead the Golden Eagles with 19 points. Against Rutgers he scored 10 and added five rebounds. He’s one of several quality reserves.

Not having Harrison or Pointer will really hurt St. John’s depth, as they’ll have just five players who average more than 10 minutes per game.

The Winner Is

Winner#15 Marquette

3 out of 4

St. John’s has lost three in a row and lost its composure against Notre Dame. Even if they are focused, Marquette is playing much better right now and hasn't lost at home this season.